2018: New big name conductor at Leipzig's Gewandaus

Leipzig is going to start the New Year by welcoming its long-awaited new conductor for its famous Gewandhaus Orchestra. Lithuanian Andris Nelsons arrives in February, 18 months after being appointed to the post. There’s a huge amount of public interest in the new man, not only because, at 38, he will be the youngest Gewandhaus Kapellmeister for the last 150 years. But he will also maintain another position a very long way away - as music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Reconciling the two will be interesting, as will his artistic intent of combining and contrasting the new with the old. The official inauguration and the 275th birthday of the Gewandhaus will be celebrated in four festival weeks in February and March 2018, with performances from world-class musicians. Packages are available.

2018: Looking forward to Weimar’s tasty specialities

Weimar might be best be known as a cultural treasure chest but in 2018, it’s time to explore the Thuringian town’s culinary delights – some of them more surprising than others: Regional specialities, such as the famous Thuringian dumplings or Thüringer Bratwurst sausage, are, of course, a must. However, would you associate gin with Weimar?Wiegandt Manufactur Weimar’s products are handcrafted, organic distillations, one a London Dry variation and one a barrel-aged special.

More of a wine lover? Weimar also has its very own wine made out of grapes that grow on a hillside location called Weimarer Poetenweg (Weimar poets’ path). Goethe and Schiller, both long-time Weimar residents, would approve. And likewise of the delicious creations of Felix Bieber, who started making his own Biebereis ice-cream a few years back and sells it at markets and festivals from his “ice-cream bike” as well as a small shop in town. Bratwurst, gin, wine and ice-cream – 2018 will be good.

2018: Enjoy the freedom of the water with Kuhnle-Tours

Germany is not normally known for its lack of bureaucracy, but Berlin is the only capital in Europe where you can potter around on a chartered cabin cruiser without needing a license (except for one small channel). The well-equipped cruisers from charter specialist Kuhnle-Tours allow access to180km of waterways within the capital, including passing right by Frau Merkel's office (left), and a further 1,500km within the neighbouring federal states. Alternatively, these cruisers don’t have to go anywhere, because they can also be used as a city apartment; their status as pleasure boats means that they don’t have difficulties with permanent moorings.

2017 and 2018: Looking back, and looking forward

Politics aside, 2017 has been a pretty good year for Germany. According to the Nation Brands Index, Germany is top dog, based on the power and quality of its brand image. The US dropped from top to sixth, with France, Britain, Canada and Japan taking spots two to five. Meanwhile the country's Europa theme park won the Golden Dollar top park worldwide award once again, Berlin’s tourism revenue increased by €1 billion, and the German passport was ranked the most powerful in the world (via the Quality of Nationality Index). So for 2018 there’s just the small matter of working out who is going to lead the country. Fingers crossed that Mrs Merkel continues her steady hand.

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